Avoiding the Addiction Affliction

Jeremy Davis graduated college magna cum laude in Computer Science and built a career as a software engineer in Silicon Valley. He bought a house, started a family, and believed the chaos in his mind was just the cost of ambition. He received his bipolar diagnosis in 2012, but, by then he says, the disease had been running the show for a long time. Jeremy chronicles what he learned about the disease and himself in his book, "The Faces of Bipolar." Jeremy can be contacted at https://thefacesofbipolar.com/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is...

Carrie Rattle discusses shopping and buying addiction. Carrie Rattle is a Financial Therapist and 30-year financial industry veteran who has observed money psychology and behaviors in action in six countries. She is an MBA and has credentials as an Accredited Financial Counselor ™, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™, in the United States. Carrie received training from Psychotherapist and Oprah guest Olivia Mellan, and clinically studied compulsive shopping with Dr. April Benson for 18 months. The revised edition of the best selling book, "To Buy or Not To Buy, Tools to break the cycle and take control of your life", will be rele...

Parents can be the difference in whether or not their children use alcohol or other drugs. David Kopeny discusses his book, "Tip of the Spear," aimed at preparing parents to be that guiding force. Dave has over 30 years' experience working with teens and their families in various capacities: teacher, counselor, probation officer, and private investigator specializing in adolescent drug intervention. He has dedicated his life to teaching and preparing parents to be the difference when it comes to drugs and their children. Dave can be reached and his book purchased at https://www.davekopeny.com/

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Recently, postpartum depression has garnered a lot of headlines. Sarah Gracz and Kristine Gallagher, of Orenda Counseling in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, discuss perinatal mental health and postpartum depression. Sarah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Owner of Orenda Counseling. Kristine is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and has a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International. Sarah and Kristine can be contacted at https://www.orendacounselingservices.com/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

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Carrie Everett is the owner of C&A Servicez and the CEO/Inventor behind the new Safiee cleaning tool container. If that was the whole story, her entrepreneurship would be quite enough. But her inventiveness and initiative were born out of a drive to turn her life and her story around. Carrie and Safiee can be contacted at https://www.safiee.com/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill...

"Better life through science" is a phrase that absolutely applies to recovery from substances. Waldemar Radoslaw Jezierski discusses another step in that direction, naltrexone implants. Waldemar is the Business Development Manager for DeBinge, an addiction treatment provider, located in Miami, Florida and the Bahamas. DeBinge can be reached at https://debinge.com/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.


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Ann Marie Farino has three children—two on earth and one in heaven. In June of 2016, her son Richard died by suicide. In this podcast she discusses her forthcoming memoir "Chronic Chaos: A Son's Addiction, a Mother's Love, and Her Quest to Find Joy." Ann Marie speaks to audiences of all ages about addiction, suicide, grief, and the millions of moments that remind us we are not alone. Ann Marie can be contacted at https://annmariefarino.com/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

More information ab...

Understanding who you are and what tools you're working with matter when trying to recover from addiction. Dr. Sterling Elliott talks about where and how self awareness is essential in pain management recovery. Dr. Elliott is the Clinical Pharmacist Lead for Ambulatory Surgery Practice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) in Chicago, Illinois. He specializes in matters related to post-operative pain management in ambulatory surgeries. Dr. Elliott's expertise on patient-centered pain management education and harm reduction efforts has been featured on numerous Chicago—and national—print, radio, and television outlets. Dr. Elliott speaks at conferences, including keynote sessions, sharing his expe...

For decades, Daniela Tilbrook bore a secret and the shame that went with it. But the secret and the shame were not hers to bear but were put upon her by those who we are all brought up to believe should care about us the most. Daniela talks about family secrets, sexual abuse, and the healing from the shame that was not hers. Daniela is the author of two books, "Not My Shame" and the newly released "Post Traumatic Wisdom." Daniela is a London-based author, coach, and speaker whose work sits at the intersection of lived experience and practical...

There is a proliferation of cannabis and CBD products available just about everywhere. Melissa Moore discusses the marketing of these products, the target audience, and the lack of regulation. Melissa is a Certified Prevention Specialist and Owner & Trainer of M3 Consulting LG. Melissa has over 25 years of experience in public health prevention, community engagement, and coalition building—especially in rural settings. She's based in Medford, Wisconsin. Melissa can be contacted at https://m3-consultingllc.com/

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

More information about the fe...

This September is National Recovery Month. What better way to celebrate six years of this podcast than to discuss why recovery—real recovery—requires the individual's, the family's, and the community's efforts. Guida Brown initiated this podcast six years ago and today joins us as the Principal for Guided by Guida. She serves as a Community Relations Consultant for US Drug Testing Laboratories in Des Plaines, Illinois. She also serves as President of the board of Orchids FASD Services Wisconsin, the Wisconsin affiliate for FASD United. Guida is certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Substance Abuse Counselor and...

Betrayal in a relationship breaks you. When you discover infidelity in a relationship, it feels like your whole world has been shattered. Helen Fisher discusses how she works with individuals and couples to heal the pain of betrayal and rebuild trust; intimacy; and deep, emotional connection. Helen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and advanced training in Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, as well as Advanced Training in Sex Therapy and Substance Abuse counseling. Helen's contact information can be found at https://www.helenfishertherapy.com/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of...

Joe Peterangelo and Liam Farin discuss a Wisconsin Policy Forum report about the rise in Wisconsin's Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offense incarcerations. Joe has been a part of the Wisconsin Policy Forum's research team since 2011 and has served as its research director since July 2024. He has authored many impactful reports on economic, transportation, and housing issues in metro Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin, including several that have received awards from the national Governmental Research Association. Liam has a Master's Degree in Urban Planning from UW-Milwaukee and recently completed a Norman Gill Research Fellowship at Wisconsin Policy Forum. The Wisconsin...

Dr. Tony Dice discusses his book "After the Trident" and his Holistic Change Model. The Model is designed to heal the invisible wounds of those who serve and who have traditionally shown an increased level of resistance. Dr. Dice can be reached at https://bishopdicedefense.com/. Dr. Dice's first podcast with us is here: https://ataapodcast.com/after-the-trident/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.

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Joshua Legg says his goal is always the same: to equip men with tools that strengthen families and lighten the load for the professionals who serve them. Joshua Legg is the proprietor of Joshua Legg Coaching. He provides pastoral care and mental health coaching and serves as Chair of The Papillion Center for FASD in Tennessee. He is focused on helping men grow into their full potential through a supportive yet challenging approach. With a strong understanding of FASDs and early life adversity, he is committed to fostering healing in men and their families. Joshua can be reached at...

What keeps us stuck in a place that is unhealthy when we know we need to move? Jeanne Foot discusses the bridge between "knowing and doing." Jeanne is the founder and CEO of The Recovery Concierge, a premier service for mental health, addiction recovery, trauma healing, and peak performance. In addition to her own lived experience, she holds credentials as an International Certified Alcohol & Drug Counsellor. Jeanne is also the host of the terrific podcast "Naturally High." Jeanne's work and information can be found at https://therecoveryconcierge.com/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is...

GLP-1 drug ads for weight loss are everywhere. The drugs, also, are now being studied for use in substance use disorder treatment and mental health disorders. Dr. Kim Dennis discusses GLP-1 receptor agonists and her work with treating eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and multi-occurring disorders. Dr. Dennis is the co-founder, CEO, and Chief Medical Officer at SunCloud Health. A board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and multi-occurring disorders, she believes in and maintains a holistic perspective in the practice of psychiatry, incorporating biological, psycho-social, and spiritual approaches into nuanced, individualized treatment plans. A renowned expert...

In order to increase sales in a sagging alcoholic beverage market, the alcohol companies have expanded their product line to include a multitude of alcohol-infused products, from sodas to teas. Melissa Moore discusses the marketing of alcoholic beverages and the young market being targeted. Melissa is a Certified Prevention Specialist and Owner & Trainer of M3 Consulting LG. Melissa has over 25 years of experience in public health prevention, community engagement, and coalition building—especially in rural settings. She's based in Medford, Wisconsin. Melissa can be contacted at https://m3-consultingllc.com/

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality ca...

There are many products, regulated and unregulated, sold over the counter that contain substances that can contribute to addiction. Michelle Sandberg, the Executive Director of the Hope Council in Kenosha, Wisconsin, discusses these products, sold everywhere from vape shops to convenience stores. Michelle also talks about the challenges that communities and organizations like the Hope Council face in an effort to intervene and offer help. Michelle and the Hope Council can be reached at https://www.hopecouncil.org/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

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Dr. Sterling Elliott talks about where we are with the ongoing opioid crisis, pain management, and available unregulated pseudo-pharmaceutical combinations available in smoke shops and gas stations. Dr. Elliott is the Clinical Pharmacist Lead for Ambulatory Surgery Practice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) in Chicago, Illinois. He specializes in matters related to post-operative pain management in ambulatory surgeries. Dr. Elliott's expertise on patient-centered pain management education and harm reduction efforts has been featured on numerous Chicago, as well as national print, radio, and television outlets. Dr. Elliott speaks at conferences, including keynote sessions, sharing his expertise in pain management...

Jeanne Foot doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Using evidence-based therapeutic methods, she works with her clients to create a recovery path that works for their lifestyles. Jeanne is the founder and CEO of The Recovery Concierge, a premier service for mental health, addiction recovery, trauma healing, and peak performance. In addition to her own lived experience, she holds credentials as an International Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. Jeanne is also the host of the terrific podcast "Naturally High." Jeanne's work and information can be found at The Recovery Concierge Inc.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose...

Finding a place to live once someone is in recovery is often a challenge. Jim Boad has addressed that challenge through initiative and expertise. Jim is a Pacific Coast entrepreneur helping others to open and scale profitable, sustainable group homes and sober living facilities. Jim and his business can be reached at jimboad.com.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

More information about the federal response to the ongoing opioid crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.


The views and...

As a hidden brain injury, FASD can manifest in ways that often lead to challenging behaviors, which can feel overwhelming for caregivers relying on traditional parenting strategies. Making it even more difficult is knowing where to get an accurate diagnosis and help. Barb Clark is the Founder and CEO of FASD Mosaic where she provides coaching, training, and consulting on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), trauma, neurodivergence, and challenging behaviors. Barb is the author of a fabulous book, "Raising Kids and Teens with FASD: Advice and Strategies to Help Your Family to Thrive!" She also serves as the head...

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) affect up to 1 in 20 people and is particularly prevalent among young people in the adoption and fostering system. As a hidden brain injury, FASDs can manifest in ways that often lead to challenging behaviors, which makes diagnosis and intervention challenging. Mollie O'Brien, the Executive Director of Proof Alliance in St. Paul, Minnesota, discusses FASDs and how, through community, collaboration, and education, they work to create lasting change and improve outcomes for those impacted by an FASD. Proof Alliance can be contacted at Proof Alliance.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign...

Matt Christensen grew up as the oldest child in a loving family. He had already lost his sense of direction when, in his early twenties, he also lost his mom. Poor choices and decisions followed. Then his family introduced him to The Other Side Academy. First as a student, now as a staff member, Matt talks about The Other Side Academy and its programs. The Other Side Academy and its programs can be reached at https://www.theothersideacademy.com/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

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Matthew Laughrin wrote his memoir, "Shouting into the Darkness: Life as a Mentally Ill Drug Addict in the 21st Century," while incarcerated. On March 1, 2009, Matthew woke to a police tactical team bursting into his home. He was arrested for the fatal drug overdose of a teenage girl who had died in his house the previous evening while he was asleep. His book chronicles the decisions and missteps he took that led to that day. Matthew's book, "Shouting into the Darkness: Life as a Mentally Ill Drug Addict in the 21st Century," can be found on Amazon.

The...

Rehab is a word used to describe everything from a short detox to a long residential stay. Jim Savage discusses what constitutes rehab and what makes for a successful program. Jim is the owner of Rehab Works! Family Support Program and Jim Savage Consulting. He is the author of "Rehab Works! A Parent's Guide to Drug Treatment" and a new ebook, "Sobriety Doesn't Have To Suck: A Guide To Finding Happiness, Excitement, And Spiritual Fulfillment In Recovery." Jim has been helping individuals and families in recovery for over three decades. Jim's contact information, video series, trainings, and other works...

It is safe to say that addiction and mental health services are needed across the country and that providing those services, while incredibly rewarding, is also extremely challenging. Joe Henderson, the Founder and CEO of Sierra Health + Wellness Centers and the Elijah House Foundation in California, talks about those rewards and challenges. His approach to Addiction Treatment centers on identity reconstruction, stigma reduction, and community-based healing. Joe is a skilled and passionate leader who has direct oversight of all aspects of Sierra Health + Wellness. Sierra Health + Wellness can be contacted at Sierra Health + Wellness | Addiction + Mental Health Treatment | CA.

Everyone copes with depression and life stress differently. JD Tremblay coped by pushing his body athletically to limits few ever experience. Tremblay is the Director of Human Performance at Hungry Warrior Academy, a Canadian human performance specialist, Naturopathic practitioner, Integrated Engineering graduate, and military veteran with over a decade of service. He is also the author of "Hunger for More in Life." In his spare time, JD serves as a firefighter and is an ultra-endurance athlete recognized worldwide for numerous extreme endurance achievements. JD's contact information and publications are available at JD Tremblay – Hunger for More in Life.

Harvie Herrington is a former college and pro football player now dedicated to helping youth and adults overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. He is a motivational speaker, trainer, and author. His inspirational presentations focus on diversity, self-leadership, overcoming adversity, and metabolic health. His book, "80/20 Rule: Removing the Friction From Your Life to Become a Better Athlete," discusses the physical and mental dedication it takes to succeed. Harvie's contact information is at Keynote and Motivational Speaker - Harvie Herrington.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.

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Stress is a common concern across all ages and demographics. It causes some to seek relief by engaging in destructive behaviors. Dr. Gary Sprouse, or as he is better known across the country, "The Less Stress Doc," discusses how he helps clients alleviate the stress in their lives with the goal of living in their Happy Place. Dr. Sprouse is a former primary care physician from Maryland who retired from private practice after 38 years. He is the author of the award-winning books, "Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress" and "Mindset Matters." He also has developed...

In 2018, STEP Industries and The Mooring Programs merged to become Apricity, a progressive recovery community in Wisconsin. The leadership team brought to life the vision of a one-of-a-kind recovery organization that offers treatment, employment, transitional living, and education. Michelle Devine Giese, the CEO of Apricity, Dan Haak, the President of Apricity Contract Packaging and Recovery Support, and Jolie VerVoort, the President of Residential Treatment Services, discuss their unique, innovative program of recovery, work, and support. Apricity can be reached at Apricity - Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Employment.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is...

Recovery, like life, is full of what seems like contradictions. Love and resentment, passion and despair. Jessica Guerrieri details the complexities of recovery brilliantly in her new novel, "Both Can Be True." Jessica is a writer and novelist who lives in Northern California with her husband and three daughters. With a background in special education, Jessica left the field to pursue a career in writing and raise her children. With over a decade of sobriety, she is a fierce advocate for addiction recovery. In this podcast, she discusses her recovery and her new book, "Both Can Be True." Jessica's...

We may not be able to choose the circumstances we're in, but we always have a choice regarding how we respond. That is just one of the life lessons Larry Freeborg talks about in his book, "Always At Choice: Strategies for Moving on After the Death of a Spouse or Life Trauma." Larry was forty years old when his wife died from acute leukemia on the day after Christmas. He became a widower with four young children. Larry started his life over during a recession, with no job, no money, and no partner to help him raise his children...

Jonathan Schwartz was at the top of his game serving as a business manager to celebrities including Beyonce, Alanis Morisette, Gwenyth Paltrow, Mariah Carey, Linkin Park, and others. But he kept a dark secret: he was a compulsive gambler and cocaine addict. Over the course of six years he embezzled over $7 million from his clients to fund these addictions. Jonathan's criminal behavior earned him a six-year sentence in prison. He returned to society in 2020, went back to school, and got a degree in alcohol & other drug counseling, followed by an advanced degree as a therapist. Today, he makes a...

When we're going through difficult times, often the tendency is to isolate and withdraw. Help is available, but often folks are reluctant to reach out and ask for it. Dana Emold talks about a new venture she is piloting for a free Family Education / support group at Wellbrook Recovery in Brookfield, Wisconsin, providing education on topics like "Understanding the Disease of Addiction" and "Codependency / Enabling." Dana is licensed as a Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor at InTune Collaborative Counseling in Mequon, WI. The free Family Education / support group is at Wellbrook Recovery in Brookfield, WI. Dana, the...

Anyone who has experienced chronic lower back pain knows that relief is sometimes difficult to find. Dr. Rohan Lall discusses a groundbreaking new procedure being developed to help those with chronic lower back pain. Dr. Lall is a neurosurgeon specializing in robotic and minimally invasive spine surgery, complex spinal surgery, surgery for brain and spinal tumors, and skull base surgery/pituitary tumor surgery. He has been a leader in robotic spinal surgery and is actively involved in the development of new technologies in spine surgery. He is the Chief Medical Officer of SynerFuse, a Minnesota-based medical device company innovating...

Recently the federal government released new guidelines for alcohol and food. Marion Nestle discusses those new guidelines and her lifetime's work as a nutrition expert and nutrition policy advisor. Marion is a Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University in the department she chaired from 1988-2003 and from which she retired in September 2017. She has a PhD in molecular biology and an MPH in public health nutrition from the University of California. Marion is a past senior nutrition policy advisor in the Department of Health and Human Services and editor of...

Rural communities in America have a shortage of resources for mental health and substance use disorders. That shortage makes services provided by rural schools so important in the lives of students and families. Tania Reindl talks about the challenges and opportunities that working in rural communities presents. Tania is a Mental Health Navigator in a small, rural school district in Wisconsin. She has worked as a county social worker and has also worked with the Department of Corrections. More information about rural communities and mental health can be found at Rural Behavioral Health.

The State of Wisconsin's...

The mission of the Heart to Heart Foundation is to support programs providing services to children needing homes, biological parents making crucial decisions for their children, and adoptive parents hoping to provide the families and homes that children long for. Donna Pope is the Director of Heart to Heart Adoptions based in Sandy, Utah. She talks about their work and the joys and challenges of raising adopted children. Heart to Heart, and Donna, can be reached at https://hearttoheart-foundation.org/.

The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
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